According to Statista, 2.95 billion people use social media worldwide. Social media sites include Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and more. These represent some of the more popular ones. Internet usage is a common way of interacting for most people, and with that comes social media. However, the link between social media and depression is also notable to mention. It’s not uncommon to hear about people become more isolated the more they use social media, and some people, begin to suffer from depression. Let’s take a closer look at this topic.
The Rising Popularity Of Social Media
Social media has been rising to the forefront of society for the last decade or more. LinkedIn was one of the early social media sites, and it is still around today. Launched in 2004, Facebook was one of the most visited early sites and now ranks number three in popularity among social media sites.
With the rise in social media sites and popularity, we also see a rise in social media addiction and other mental health disorders that revolve around its use. Why does social media and depression often go hand in hand?
Social Media and Depression
What precipitates social media and depression. For one thing, there are certain types of people that tend to be more drawn to social media use. Consequently, these types of people are also more prone to depression. People that tend to use social media more include:
- People with addictive personalities
- Lonely people
- People with ADHD
- People with an anxiety disorder
- Depressed people
As you can see, depression may lead to social media use and social media use can aggravate depression. It becomes a vicious cycle with people having a hard time breaking it. They both fuel each other.
Social Media and Addiction
Another problem that arises with social media and one that can easily lead to depression its addictive nature. You can easily see how people can become addicted to social media with how popular and widespread its use is.
People become obsessed with getting “likes,” because they feel it provides them an emotional boost or reward. The more likes they get, the more validated they feel. Their self-esteem is wrapped up in how many people they can associate with on social media. Also, continually feeling the urge to check on posts is considered “fear of missing out (FOMO)”. All of these factors play a part in the addictive nature of social media. Furthermore, addiction, regardless of the type, can lead to depression.
At an addiction treatment center that has dual diagnosis treatment, professionals will help you get through the social media addiction as well as the depression.
Welcome to Sunflower Wellness Retreat
At Sunflower Wellness Retreat, you can find healing and a brighter future with our help. Step into our relaxing retreat center, which provides the perfect mix of peace and therapy. You’ll have 12 acres of retreat-like land to spread out on and relax. Peace of mind is awaiting you. Also, you’ll discover basketball and volleyball courts, plus other recreational options.
Surrounded by compassionate therapists, you’ll have plenty of therapy and treatment options, such as:
- Individual therapy treatment program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy treatment program
- Family therapy treatment program
- Group therapy treatment program
- Dialectical behavior therapy treatment program
- Trauma therapy treatment program
- Holistic therapy treatment program
Don’t let alcohol use disorder take over your life and hinder your peace of mind. You can break free from substance use with the help of a qualified treatment facility. Now that you know more about social media and depression, you can move on in life. Contact us at 855.730.8825 and find hope and happiness for your life.